Recent social media posts
10/08/2026
Hello Guys ........ Just an update about future tours. I have responded not giving up just yet!!!
Hi Julie
Apologies for the late reply.
Thank you for your interest in the former asylum at Jacksons Hill, Sunbury. As you would be aware, the buildings and grounds are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. Unfortunately, the buildings and grounds are not in a condition suitable for public access and tours of the site cannot be supported at this time. However, we will keep your contact details on our file, in the event that situation changes.
Thank you for raising this matter.
Manager Ministerial Land
Landholding and Sales | Land and Property | Land Services Victoria
Planning and Land Services
Department of Transport and Planning
I acknowledge all Traditional Owners across Victoria, their Elders past and present. I recognise their continued connection to the land and waters which the Victorian Transport and Planning systems operate on. I am committed to building genuine partnerships with Traditional Owners and the First Peoples community to progress and achieve their aspirations and meet their expectations.
19/07/2026
Community feedback on the Draft Hume Planning Scheme Amendment C283hume, which proposes the rezoning of 11 hectares at Jacksons Hill (the former Victoria University campus), has officially been extended.
We are asking for your support by taking a moment to share your feedback and vote in favour of preserving the history and heritage of Jacksons Hill in Sunbury through reinstating our much-loved Sunbury Historical Tours. Your support would mean so much. Every submission counts, and your voice can help protect and celebrate our local history for future generations.
To have your say, please visit the Engage Victoria Jacksons Hill Project portal: https://engage.vic.gov.au/draft-hume-planning-scheme-amendment-c283hume
Click the link above and let your support be heard.
Thank you so much for standing with us. 🙏🙏🙏♥️
Have your say on the proposed changes to the Hume Planning Scheme to rezone part of Jacksons Hill, Sunbury.
18/07/2026
An Important Update from Sunbury Historical Tours regarding the
Draft Hume Planning Scheme Amendment C283hume
I have formally made a submission to The Draft Hume Planning Scheme Amendment C283 hume, requesting that the future planning framework for the former Sunbury Mental Hospital site recognise the importance of heritage interpretation, community connection and opportunities for respectful public engagement.
As part of this submission, I have requested consideration for the reinstatement of Sunbury Historical Tours at Jacksons Hill through a carefully managed heritage tourism and interpretation programme.
For approximately seven years, Sunbury Historical Tours provided the community with the opportunity to learn about the remarkable and complex history of this significant site, sharing the stories of patients, families, nurses, healthcare workers, staff, and the many people whose lives were connected to the former hospital.
The response from the community since raising the possibility of bringing the tours back has been truly overwhelming. I have heard from former staff, healthcare workers, historians, local residents and many people who feel a strong connection to Jackson's Hill and believe these stories should continue to be shared with future generations.
We will responsibly return tours with appropriate approvals, safety requirements, insurance, and respect for the site's heritage significance.
I would like to thank everyone who has shared memories, encouragement and support. Your messages demonstrate how meaningful Jacksons Hill is to so many people.
I will continue to advocate for the preservation and respectful interpretation of this important part of Sunbury’s history and will keep you updated as this process progresses.
Draft Hume Planning Scheme Amendment C283hume
https://engage.vic.gov.au/project/draft-hume-planning-scheme-amendment-c283hume/participate
Click on the above link and have your say :) support for Sunbury Historical Tours to return would be so very much appreciated !!!!
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Julie Mills
Sunbury Historical Tours
01/06/2026
29/05/2026
Just to let you all know .....
I’m currently exploring the possibility of restarting my historical tours and am making enquiries. I’m hoping to regain access to the buildings, and if permission is granted, I plan to resume operations in the near future. Let me know if you would be interested in attending one ....... Watch this space ........ Julie Mills
Address
Circular Drive, Jackson's Hill
Sunbury, VIC
3429
To get to Circular Drive in Sunbury, you can take public transport by catching the train to Sunbury Station. From there, you can either walk for about 15 minutes or take a short taxi ride to Circular Drive.
If you prefer to drive, you can take the M80 Ring Road and then exit onto Calder Freeway towards Sunbury. Follow the signs to Sunbury and then turn onto Circular Drive. There is parking available along Circular Drive for visitors.
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What people say
Sunbury Historical Tours offers a captivating and immersive experience into the rich history of institutional living in Sunbury. Delve into the past and uncover the stories of patients who were once incarcerated within the walls of these historic buildings. Gain insight into the reasons for their confinement, the roles of medical staff, admission processes, escape attempts, and various forms of treatments administered.
The architectural beauty of these buildings, some dating back to 1864, adds an extra layer of intrigue to the tour. From its origins as an Industrial School for Children to its transformation into a Lunatic Asylum and later a women's refractory compound, each building holds a piece of Sunbury's fascinating history.
As you journey through key locations like the Admissions Office, Male Receiving Ward, Female Infirmary, and more, you'll be transported back in time to witness firsthand the realities of institutional life. The tour also includes exploration of external buildings such as the Industrial School Hospital and Staff Mess Rooms, providing a comprehensive view of life within these walls.
For those with a passion for history or simply a curiosity about Sunbury's past, Sunbury Historical Tours offers an engaging and educational experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Don't miss this opportunity to step back in time and uncover the secrets hidden within these historical buildings.
